Tories look to Mahatma for inspiration

David Cameron invoked the words of Gandhi by declaring that the Conservatives must "be the change" they want to see in the world.

indiaUpdated: Jan 03, 2006 19:41 IST

UK Bureau PTI

Mahatma Gandhi will lead the change in the Conservative party after its newly elected leader David Cameron took inspiration from him for his New Year message.

Cameron invoked the words of the Mahatma on Tuesday by declaring that the Conservatives must "be the change" they want to see in the world.

In his New Year message, he says: "The Conservative party can look forward to 2006 confident in our values, clear about our direction and optimistic about the future. As the world is changing, so must we. Our main objective in 2006, as a modern, compassionate Conservative party, is to apply all our energies to tackling the big, long-term challenges faced by Britain and the world. I want us to usher in a new type of politics in this country: constructive, thoughtful and open-minded.

"And I want every single member and supporter of the Conservative party to remember that personal commitment is the most powerful way to bring about change. As Gandhi said, 'We must be the change we want to see in the world'."

The Tory leader called on his party to show that it was adapting to modern Britain.

In his message, Tony Blair responded to the threat posed by Cameron by telling voters that Britain remained a prosperous and successful country under Labour.